Visit Fes, Morocco: 9 best things to do + tips
Fes is one of the most magical and unique cities in Morocco. You can wander endlessly through the beautiful historic medina, which dates back to the ninth century. The medina of Fes is the largest and oldest in North Africa and therefore holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Fes was once the capital of Morocco, and the city is still the cultural and religious epicenter of the country. Fes is all about endless discovery; you can easily spend two or three days exploring the best things to do in Fes!
Topics
- The best things to do in Fes
- How to visit Fes, Morocco
- Transportation
- Navigating Fes
- The best time to visit Fes
- Beautiful accommodations in Fes
- The best restaurants
1. Wander through the ancient medina of Fes
Fes is one of the oldest imperial cities in Morocco, and you can feel it in everything! The medina of Fez (Fes el Bali) is not only the largest but also the oldest in North Africa. With countless narrow alleyways in its car-free medina, Fez gives you the feeling of stepping back in time by hundreds of years. This makes Fes an incredibly photogenic city, full of stunning views and remarkable architecture. So don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the city’s vibrant life and immerse yourself in the scents, colors, and sounds of this charming and lively place.
2. Explore the tanneries of Chouara in Fez
One of the best things to do in Fes is to visit the ancient Chouara tanneries! The tanneries in Fes are considered the oldest in the world, making it a unique experience to visit and observe the process. The tanneries are easy to find since they are located in the heart of the medina, but you can’t view the process from the street. The best view is from the balconies of the surrounding buildings.
Tip: The tanneries give off a very strong smell, so it’s helpful to hold a bunch of mint in front of your nose to mask the scent.
3. Shop for the most beautiful souvenirs
Fes is known for its many artisans who have been crafting beautiful items here for centuries. It’s also a relatively relaxed city for shopping—not only is bargaining less intense than in places like Marrakech, but the products are also of high quality. Fes is the perfect place to hunt for souvenirs, whether it’s a beautiful leather pouf, jewelry, or intricate wood carvings. One thing is certain: you won’t be leaving empty-handed!
Tip: Want to buy something big, like a rug or furniture? Many shopkeepers are happy to ship your purchase to your home address. Make sure your item is packed on-site and clearly labeled with the correct name and address to avoid any mistakes.
4. Book a cooking class at Café Clock
You can enjoy delicious food almost anywhere in Morocco, but the warmth and charm of Fes are unmatched. That’s why we booked a cooking class at Café Clock. Chef Souad, a true gem of a woman, guides you through her Moroccan kitchen with incredible humor and passion. We chose the bread and pastry combo, which costs 400 dirhams (about $40 per person). We had a fantastic time chatting, cooking, and then weaving our way through the medina with a tray full of dough to bake our bread in a communal oven. Afterward, we enjoyed a feast with Souad—an absolute must-do experience!
5. Visit the Al-Attarine Medersa and Bou Inania Medersa
One of the best things to do in Fes is to visit the historic Al-Attarine Medersa and Bou Inania Medersa. These ancient Quranic schools are both stunning architectural masterpieces with intricate details. Bou Inania is slightly smaller than Al-Attarine but just as breathtaking.Both medersas are located within the medina of Fes. If you’re staying inside the city walls, you can easily walk to them!
6. Visit the Bab Bou Jeloud gate
The ancient city gate Bab Bou Jeloud (or Bab Boujloud) is perhaps one of the most iconic sights in Fes. Did you know that this beautifully crafted gate has two colors? The exterior is adorned with a blue pattern, representing the color of Fes, while the interior features the same pattern in green, the color of Islam.
7. Stay in a traditional riad
One of the most magical and unique experiences in Fes is staying in a riad. A riad offers an authentic and special way to experience the hospitality of Fes. Riads were once villas for wealthy families, with numerous rooms for the entire family. Each riad features a beautiful courtyard with a garden, a fountain, and sometimes even a pool. Many riads are still owned by local families, making them the perfect place to get a glimpse into Morocco’s history. You can find our favorite riads in Fez here
8. Taste Fes: Organize your own street food tour
Fez is the perfect city to give your taste buds a workout, and it’s also a great way to mingle with the locals. Start with a refreshing fresh juice from one of the many stalls in the medina. You’ll also find a woman on nearly every corner selling fresh cookies or other sweets (cookie tip: definitely try the ghriba, the most delicious cookies in Morocco). Don’t miss out on grabbing a few different pastillas, these delicious savory pastries filled with vegetables, meat, or fish. Bon appétit!
9. Visit the Oldest University in the World: The al-Qarawiyin Mosque
The al-Qarawiyin Mosque (also known as the University of Karueein or al-Karaouine) is a university in Fez, Morocco. It is recognized by UNESCO and the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest university in the world. Founded in 859 by the scholar Fatima El-Fihriya, the mosque was surrounded by madrassas (Quranic schools), which laid the foundation for the university as we know it today. Although tourists are not allowed inside the mosque itself, you can still get a glimpse of this sacred building. Through the various entrance gates, you’ll be able to admire beautiful fountains and stunning courtyards.
How to Visit Fes in Morocco
Fes is accessible by plane, bus, or train. Saïss Airport is located 17 kilometers away, so you’ll be at the city gates in just 30 to 40 minutes. Fes is not only an amazing destination as part of a road trip through Morocco, but it is also perfect for a (short) city trip.
Find flights to Fes
Transportation in Fes
Fez is a car-free city, so you’ll have to walk to your riad. Do you bring a lot of heavy luggage? Consider striking a deal with a porter or arrange it through your riad. Safe parking in Fes is available underground at this location, conveniently located just before the city gate, Bab Bou Jeloud. Unlike parking lots in the rest of Morocco, we were able to park for three nights here for free, and the parking attendant happily waved us off. A mistake or a great tip for free parking? I’m not sure. If you decide to try it, let me know if you ended up paying or not!
Tip: are you planning a road trip through Morocco? Then a rental car is your best option for getting around. Tip: I recommend to rent a car through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here
Navigating in Fes
Fes can be tricky to navigate, especially with its countless narrow alleyways. Despite the maze-like feel, you definitely won’t get lost in Fes. It’s helpful to choose accommodation near the two main streets of the medina: Salaa Kebira and Salaa Sghira. If you use these two roads to navigate the city, you’ll easily be able to find your way around.
Tip: Navigating in Fes can easily be done with your favorite navigation app. I do recommend buying an e-sim for Morocco, so you won’t have to use the (expensive) data from your mobile plan. You can get your e-sim here
The Best Time to Visit Fes
The best time to visit Fez is in the spring, from March to May, or in the fall, from September to November. During these months, the weather is sunny and warm, but not too hot during the day. The winter months can also be a good time to visit Fes, as it is much quieter. However, keep in mind that temperatures during the winter months can be significantly lower.
Tip: Fez is surrounded by beautiful green mountains. So, be sure to consider exploring nature during your visit to Fes—it’s a great way to experience the scenic landscapes of the region!
Favorite Riads in Fes
The best place to stay in Fes is in the heart of the old medina. Spending the night in a traditional riad will truly complete your experience! After a day wandering through the chaos of the city, you can unwind in the peaceful atmosphere within the walls of your riad.
Riad Laaroussa is one of the most beautiful riads in Fes, and for good reason. This former 17th-century palace is an incredibly beautiful, green oasis with a fairly large swimming pool by Moroccan standards. It also has a fantastic restaurant, making it the perfect place to relax after a long day exploring the city. Hotel & Spa Dar Bensouda is another great choice. It offers a swimming pool, two stunning courtyards, and a phenomenal view of the medina and mountains from its rooftop terrace. For those on a smaller budget, Riad Jaouhara is one of the best options. It features cozy, clean rooms and is perfectly located in the center of the medina.
Tip: The medina of Fes is very old, and in some areas, it can be quite noisy. Keep this in mind, especially when you’re a light sleeper, and bring some earplugs with you.
The Best Restaurants in Fes
The medina of Fez is full of charming restaurants, so finding a spot won’t be difficult. However, there are a few gems that you definitely shouldn’t miss! Café Clock is an amazing and cozy place where, in addition to cooking classes and other workshops, you can enjoy a wonderful meal. Bistro Laaroussa is also highly recommended, with a beautiful rooftop terrace and stunning views of the mountains (you can even order local Moroccan wine from Meknes here). Additionally, Mom’s Touch is worth a visit, if only to admire its perfect interior!
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